How to French Plait Your Own Hair

The French plait is a very pretty hairstyle, but doing your own French plaits (or French braids) takes practice. Brush your hair really well before starting, and have an elastic band ready to secure the completed French plait.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brush
• Elastic band
• Hair combs & hair spray (optional)

1. Begin the French plait by gripping a small section of hair at the top of the head between your thumb and forefinger. Separate this hair into three equal strands and, with it, plait hair once, crossing left strand over middle, then right strand over middle.

2. Grip the French plait in your right hand and keep the sections separated with your fingers. With your left hand grab a small, even section of hair from the left side of the head and add this to the left strand. Do not plait hair again until step 3.

3. Switch the French plait to the left hand, keeping hair strands separated between fingers. Grab an even section of hair from the right side of the head and add it to the right strand. Plait hair again.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3, pulling hair tight each time you French plait hair. When you get to the nape of the neck and don’t have any more hair to add from the sides, continue with a basic braid and tie the end of the French plait with an elastic band.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure any short pieces that may fall out of the French plait with hair combs. Use hair spray if desired.
• If you’ve got really long hair, your arms will get tired. To give your arms a rest, put your elbows on a table while holding your French plait.